Internal communication with Matrix

Note on the transition: We have moved from Discord to Matrix. During the transition, some content may still be mirrored between the platforms. Our association's communication is Matrix-first, however. This note can be removed later.

Why we use Matrix

Matrix is our central platform for internal communication in the association.

We use Matrix for practical reasons and because it is a decentrally organised communication platform, which fits our principles well. It also lets us organise communication rooms and give targeted access to internal areas.

Anyone who wants to participate in association life will therefore need Matrix.

What is Matrix?

Matrix is an open chat network, similar to Discord or Slack. The main points for using it are:

• You can communicate easily through chat.
• Accounts can be hosted on different servers.
• Everyone can still communicate with each other.
• Rooms, access and notifications can be managed flexibly.

For node-K, we use Element at:

chat.node-k.at

A username looks like this, for example:

@jonas:node-k.at

A Matrix account can also be hosted on another server, such as matrix.org or mozilla.org. That generally does not matter to us, as long as you can join our Space and read or write there.

How our communication is organised

In Matrix, we have a Space called node-K. This is the central entry point that brings our association's rooms together.

It contains different kinds of rooms, for example:

• Open rooms for everyone
• Members-only rooms
• Internal rooms for specific roles
• Project rooms for individual topics or working groups

Not every room is visible or accessible to everyone. This is intentional.

Rooms and topics

Members cannot create rooms and topics themselves in our Space. If you need a new room or topic area, simply contact the person responsible for Matrix; they can happily set one up on request.

Permissions and automated management

One advantage of our Matrix structure is that we can automatically manage some permissions and memberships.

Our management app lets us link Matrix accounts, set room permissions and synchronise memberships. Suitable access can then be maintained efficiently according to role or affiliation.

Everyday flexibility

Matrix can be used very flexibly. Particularly useful features are:

• Notifications can be configured separately for each room.
• You can join individual rooms.
• You can also leave rooms again when they are not relevant to you.

Each person can organise their view and notifications to suit them, without having to be active in every topic.

Step by step: how to get an account

1. Open the chat and go to registration

Open this in your browser:

https://chat.node-k.at

2. Choose a username

Depending on the homeserver selected in the first image above, after registration your username has this format:

@yourname:node-k.at

In the form you now see, you only need to enter a name. The @ and :node-k.at are added automatically later.

Choose a secure password and complete registration.

3. Enter the registration token

To avoid large numbers of accounts being created by bots or people outside the association (other organisations offer accounts to the public), you need to enter a registration token on our server:

4k1CRo4hJQPn

4. Choose a display name

Here you can enter the name shown to other users. If your username is rather cryptic, you could enter the name you want to be called in real life.

If in doubt, choose the same name as your username.

5. Join the node-K Space

After signing in, join the node-K Space using this link: https://chat.node-k.at/#/room/#node-k:node-k.at

6. Select relevant rooms

Join the rooms that interest you and adjust your notifications if needed.

I already have a Matrix account

If you already have a Matrix account, you can normally keep using it. You do not necessarily need to create a new account at node-k.at.

What matters is that you can join our Space and be reachable there.

Summary

• Our internal communication runs through Matrix.
• The reference to moving from Discord is only a temporary note.
• Matrix fits our principles because it is decentrally organised.
• Our Space at chat.node-k.at is the entry point.
• Accounts on other Matrix servers can also be used.
• Members cannot create rooms themselves in our Space, but rooms can be set up on request.
• Notifications can be adjusted individually for each room.
• You can join individual rooms or leave them again.